Meaning & Origin
A male given name from Old English or Old Norse.
Harold is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, from Hereweald, meaning "army ruler" — combining here (army) and weald (power, ruler). It was common in Anglo-Saxon England and was the name of Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king, who fell at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Harold was a U.S. top 10 name in the early 20th century. From Harold Lloyd's silent film acrobatics to the beloved children's book character Harold and the Purple Crayon, the name has an adventurous, creative spirit beneath its classic exterior. A vintage name with genuine historic weight that feels ripe for revival.